Latest Essays

Who were the shoftim?

Deuteronomy’s centralization of worship (in Jerusalem) is commonly seen as increasing the power of the cult. However, it is also part of Deuteronomy’s laicization program, which shrinks the power of priests and Levites, and extends covenantal holiness requirements to all Israel.

Exodus versus Deuteronomy

Unlike the Priestly writers for whom sacrifice and rituals are needed to maintain the divine presence in the Tabernacle, the Deuteronomists stress God’s transcendence and the obedience of the heart and soul.

Immersing in the Priestly Text: In support of Dr. Rabbi Zev Farber's contention in “The Purification of a Niddah: The Torah Requirement” that the Torah does not require women to immerse after niddah in order to become pure.

A study of Deuteronomy’s polemical revision of the Exodus 18 judges account.

“And this is the Torah that Moses Placed Before the Children of Israel” —Numbers 9:23

It Is Very Close to You

When the values of land tenure and patriarchy collide. 

Numbers 32 combines two versions of how Gad and Reuven receive Moses’ permission to settle the Transjordan. The non-Priestly story emphasizes fraternity and kinship, while the Priestly version emphasizes law and obedience to YHWH. By synthesizing them, the redactor suggests that law can serve as a pillar around which the Israelite community can coalesce.

Consanguinidad versus Mandamientos

An analysis of why the approach taken by TheTorah.com has found such a large audience among the Orthodox at this time.

The Revelation of the Divine Voice Within 

A Pagan “Prophet Like Moses”